Cross-dressing
Cross-dressing is the practice of wearing clothing and accessories traditionally associated with a gender other than one's own. People cross‑dress for many reasons: performance, fashion, erotic play, gender exploration, or personal comfort. It is distinct from gender identity (which describes who someone is) and sexual orientation (who someone is attracted to), though the practices and identities can overlap.
Writing tips
- Use cross‑dressing as a tool to reveal character: show how clothing affects posture, voice choices, and social reactions.
- Focus on sensory detail (fabric, fit, scent) rather than clinical labels to evoke lived experience.
- Make agency clear: emphasise consent and purpose when scenes involve other people.
- Avoid conflating cross‑dressing with being transgender; some characters cross‑dress without changing their gender identity.