While perusing the magazine section the other day, I came across an article in OUT magazine called “When Your Wife’s Bra Wont Fit You” by Chadwick Moore which talked about the underground world of support groups for gender diverse people and their families. Specifically, the article featured the New York-based group Crossdressers International (CDI) - a members only support group that works in tandem with Miss Vera’s Finishing School for Boys Who Want to Be Girls. Ironically, the academy is run by a woman named Veronica Vera who operates the school out of her Chelsea apartment.
Part of Miss Vera’s mission is to “help wives understand and embrace their husbands’ cross-dressing desires.” The academy also offers a locker room so that closeted crossdressers and people in transition can come together to get dolled up, get make-up and wig lessons, practice walking in heels, or just relax in peace. Anonymity is crucial so real names are never used. Essentially, it is a day spa for crossdressers.
Similar organizations in the USA include:
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CHIC (Crossdressrs Heterosexual Intersocial Club)
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Over the Rainbow Transformations in Portland, OR
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Carla’s Boutique in San Jose, CA
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Tris Ess Crossdressers
I am definitely a fan of these organizations because, let’s face it, it’s hard out there for a crossdresser, especially heterosexual crossdressers who can’t seem to find a place in this ever evolving world that has to put a label on everything and everyone.
We would love to hear recommendations from our UK/EU customers on similar support groups on your side of the pond! Let us know in the comment box below if you are a member of any support groups or crossdressing organizations. Are they useful? Do you know of any other groups? Would you join one?
Until you have found your support system, Xdress is proud to be your outlet. You can always rely on us for cross dressing topics, trends, and of course, amazing panties! So, put on some heels, let your hair down and fix yourself a cocktail. It’s happy hour somewhere!
17 comments
I sat around for a long time trying to put this together, crossdressing and being a heterosexual. I am. If I was, then there had to be more out there. It’s always present though…if you wear panties, if you wear nylon stockings, then there must be something wrong with me? Yes there was something wrong with me. I had to believe me before it was real. The jump, the realization I was not gay-and I never did participate in any other than hetero activity-and that’s when I started feeling better in my journey. I would really enjoy meeting other crossdressers and making friends, my wife would like to talk to other wives and crossdressers too, and we need a support group here in Vancouver, Oregon USA.
I have over 20 years experience in the industry of hairdressing and would love to provide a bespoke service to anyone needing support/guidance with hair stying, wigs, extensions. I would love to help people ‘get ready’ for a night out. Let me know what people think. Tracey x
hi my name is Richard I am very new to this but I am looking for a cross-dresser to join me in teach me new things how to crossdress and see where it leads to I love wearing silky satin and PVC and more but just want to talk to a crossdresser see where it leads to a maybe invite them to my flat and try stuff on and have fun I live near Lancaster in a quiet village if you want to know more please get back
Thank you Gigi. Sounds like heaven.
It’s not a support group as such, but in the UK, for someone who is nervous and wants to go out in female attire for the first (or second, third or fourth…) time I and my partner would wholeheartedly recommend Scarlets Hotel in Blackpool. The hosts / hostesses are very friendly and easygoing and can help by booking you a makeover lady if needed. Everyone meets in the hotel bar before heading to one or more of the T-friendly bars nearby. It is very good value too, and the price per night drops the more nights you book.