How Intimate Relationships Are Impacted When Heterosexual Men Crossdress

Abstract

Few studies have been conducted to understand the phenomenon of transvestism, or crossdressing, as it is commonly referred. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of crossdressing on a person's dating/love relationships and sexual practices. The study was comprised of a non-random sampling of 21 male heterosexual cross-dressers who reside in Maine and New Hampshire.

Most of the men had identified themselves as crossdressers for decades. Almost all of the respondents had an entire femme persona with name, and regularly appeared in public crossdressed. Most of the men were married to women who were tolerant or accepting of their activity. The most negative responses were from wives who had found out about their husband's crossdressing years into their marriage. Feelings of anger, betrayal and fear were typical reactions by these women. The most common concern expressed by the crossdressers' partners was having others find out about their husband's behavior. Implications, as well as the limitations of this study, are discussed.

Key Words:

• Crossdressing
• transvestite
• transgenderism
• couples