Episode 131 and 132 feature Claire, a 31-year-old genderfluid crossdresser currently living in Portland, Oregon. Here’s our Q&A with her
How old are you and where are you from?
I’m 31 years old and I’m originally from the Midwest of the United States.
What brings you to the podcast?
I have heard many other peoples’ stories and wanted to share mine to pay it forward and in hopes that it helps someone else as other peoples’ stories have helped me.
How do you feel about the term crossdresser? Do you agree with the word? Are you yourself a crossdresser? If so, how’d you come to that conclusion?
I feel that the term crossdresser carries a negative connotation to it.
I would consider myself a crossdresser, however I also feel that the term does not fully encapsulate who I am as a person, where as genderfluid/non-binary seems to be more fitting.
I realized I am a crossdresser, but I feel like it goes beyond the clothes, wig, and makeup.
How would you identify with your gender identity? You said Non-binary genderfluid with your chat with Giselle. But do you think you fall under the transgender umbrella? Why or why not?
I absolutely fit under the transgender umbrella as my sense of identity does not completely match up with my birth sex. Non-binary/Genderfluid helps me communicate that I don’t fully identify with either gender binaries and that I my motivation to dress up as Claire changes day to day.
How would you classify your sexuality? How did you come to terms with that?
I would say I’m attracted to femininity, but also to a certain degree pansexual, but I have yet to explore the boundaries of that.
I would say some therapy and introspection have helped me shed the layers of shame surrounding who I am and who I am attracted to.
Also the CrossYAAS podcast helped a ton as well!
You said many things to Giselle, and one thing that stood out was your relationship with your parents. Do you regret not coming out to them sooner? Are you satisfied with how it all went down the way it did?
I personally do not regret telling them sooner. I’ve always had a feeling they wouldn’t react well, and I felt I needed a layer of social support to be able to work up the courage to come out to them without needing their approval. I am happy the way I did it because I felt like they were able to understand that I was serious and that I cared about them.
You seem so laid back with the crossdressing and your gender identity. How did you get to be this way? You make it seem so easy! What is your secret?
I recognized from a young age that this will always be a part of me, so I kind of accepted that it was here to stay whether I liked it or not. While it has caused some issues with previous relationships, I also know that it has made me a much more empathetic person and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without it. It’s taken me a long time to realize it’s not harming anyone, that it is a form of self-expression, and that my friends, that I’ve come out to, do truly just want me to be happy regardless of how I present myself. Also I realized that most people ultimately are too busy in their lives to care about other people’s life choices, and if they do care that’s just kind of weird.
COVID-19 has been a struggle for all of us, how has your Claire self been affected with the pandemic?
I feel that COVID-19 has been a struggle for everyone. I would say Claire got a lot of time to hone her makeup skills, but similar to everyone was just ready to get back out and socialize.
What would you say your style is? Tell us about your fashion sense!
I love clothes that make me feel cute. I love anything flowy and practical. It feels nice to wear a high waisted skirt because you can be bloated and still look good. I guess a good portion of my style is dictated by Target as well. It’s super fun to experiment, but currently my style is cute and casual.
What’s your favorite thing to wear? Do you have a go-to outfit?
I don’t currently have any go-to outfits, but I’d say if I had to throw something on quickly that works in most situations is a nice green wrap dress that has pocket and brown chunky block heel strappy sandals.
What do you wish you did differently in your life? Do you have any regrets?
I don’t really have any regrets in life as it has all led me to be where I am today. However, it would have been nicer if I got to where I am today at a younger age.
We obviously know a lot about Claire in your talk with Giselle… tell us something you omitted about Claire that you wish you told The CrossYAAS Podcast!
I love music, food, hiking, video games, movies, makeup and oxford commas.
What advice would you give to other crossdressers/transgender/non-binary/genderfluid/other individuals?
Be your best self, experiment, think about what brings you the most joy, and don’t feel shame for what society may not accept. Also put yourself out there more, do things that make you a bit nervous, and experience what life has to offer.
Would you recommend others to come onto the podcast? Why or why not?
For this question, I would have to give a big fat YAAS.
This podcast has helped me a ton in understanding my dressing and has helped me view my dressing in a non-shameful way.
The CrossYAAS discord is a wonderful source of support and has absolutely enriched my life since joining.
I used to see my crossdressing as a negative side of myself that I acknowledged, now I see it as something beautiful that makes me a unique individual.
How will you approach Claire moving forward? Does anything change after being on the podcast?
I’ll probably approach my Claire side the same as before. I’ll keep pushing myself to put myself out there more. Hopefully my story will resonate with others and inspire them to live their lives more authentically.
