Andrea' Profile

I’m definitely a CD – a Cross-dresser, from Kent. I suppose for me – my motive is sexual. The only way I can describe going out as Andrea is like having continuous sex for a day.  I only started cross-dressing about eight years ago. I like to go out and about daytime as much as possible. When shopping I often go the store the day before and say “I’m coming here tomorrow dressed as a girl – do you have any problem with that”. 

What is your name and what is your background?

My name is Andrea, I live in the middle of Kent but as Andrea you will always find me in the heart of London (and on occasions Manchester).  I am an Engineer by profession.

Is your name an alter ego? femme name, why did you choose that name?

It’s not too remote from my real name, but it seems to embody my style and attitude.  Andrea sounds to me that of fun and sexiness.  Although if I’m honest – I could have also evolved into the character that the name Andrea suggests!

How old are you and how young were you when you first thought about or actually cross-dressed?

You don’t ask a girl her age – so you will just have to guess from the photos!  I only started cross-dressing about eight years ago, but I do remember when I was in my early teens in wanting to try on my mum’s heels!  - Which I secretly often did!

Where do you buy your clothes?

I go out as Andrea in all the main London shopping areas.  Oxford Street, I know well and is truly easy going and cosmopolitan.  Although I’m finding that areas like Brick Lane, with its proliference of leather and inexpensive designer shops increasingly alluring.  If I have something particular in mind – where I need to try it on to see if it fits – I often go the store the day before and say “I’m coming here tomorrow dressed as a girl – do you have any problem with that”.  I always show them a photo of me as Andrea – and almost without exception they are genuinely interested and usually there’s no problem.  After all my money is the same as everybody else’s.  My favourite shops are Department stores for underwear and tights, but for skirts, tops and shoes – most fashion chain stores I have used including Paragon and River Island.  I sometimes use the new Argos Additions range, but find that things never fit quite as I hoped.  Shoes from eBay are also a favourite.  Another good source is some of the London Markets – places like Camden Lock and Stables Market are familiar with “girls” like us!
Recently, I have attended a number of Fashion Shows and have been fortunate enough to arrange for designers to send me clothes to feature in my Photoshoots.

What leads you to choose the styles you wear?

Often I see a fashion photo, or a girl wearing something in the street, and think – that would suit me – or worse still – that it would look better on me than her!  But overall I have two main weaknesses, very high heels and very short skirts.  I therefore tend to tone down the rest of my looks so that this combination does not look out of place in the environment I propose to be in - shopping, clubbing, dining etc.

Do you have one look, or many images?

I think it has to be the one theme of short skirt and high heels, but there are many ways I achieve this, from a smart Business Suit to a sexy leather mini dress.  I’m happy to experiment and push this theme – I’ve even tried wearing a skirt that’s the same length as my heels (no platforms!) are high – 7”!

About 18 months ago I changed my look for blond to red head – as I did not want my photographic opportunities to stagnate.  This change – prompted by my photographer (Don Allen) – I have to say has been for the better.

Is make-up and hair important to you and if so how do you achieve your look?

It’s crucial.  I like to have as natural looking make-up as possible, which fits in with the environment I’m going to and the clothes I’m wearing.  As I said before – I love to wear high heels/short skirts – and if I use a natural not “over the top” make up I can still “blend in” with where I’m going and not look out of place.  Quality foundation and setting powder is the key; I finish off using Clinique foundation and powder.  My wig is by far my best investment – and it never ceases to amaze me of the transformation that occurs when I put it on.  Here again I try to keep it as natural as possible, simple things like a coloured hair grip and subtle jewellery help complete my overall natural look.

As I like to go out and about daytime as much as possible – attention to detail – such as nails, handbag etc help completed an overall look of confidence.

To what degree do you practice hair removal, and other body feminisation?

For me shaving is paramount to achieving a feminine look, especially for my legs as I wear such short skirts sometimes even tights are not always possible and sun kissed bare legs are the only answer.  I’ve done this gradually, and I have found if you then do it regularly it does not draw attention to those near and dear to you.  If I’m going to go out clubbing where I also need my arms fully shaven (because of what I will be wearing), I also find that within a week or so there is sufficient regrowth not to make it too noticeable.  I’m also use a tanning spray on my legs whenever possible – I did try regularly a 6-minute all over tan (sun lamps) but with the possible dangers of skin conditions – I had stopped this.  I will try however one of these all over tanning sprays booths.  I don’t have any hang ups in going into a Salon for this.

I don’t take any form of hormones or other enhancement potions, but I do exercise specifically that keeps my waistline manageable.

Who knows you dress?

Nobody in my daily life knows, and conversely the vast majority of the people I have met or know me when I’m Andrea have not met me as my male self. 

How often do you dress and if you go out where to?

I try to dress about once a month, but sometimes I can go two or three months without, and sometimes it can be three times in three weeks.  I find that if I have left it for a while, besides the withdrawal feeling, I also need to bridge the confidence barrier again.  This is because I always go out when I’m Andrea.  I want to be seen as a sexy girl out and about and for me its no use behind closed doors.

Besides shopping, I go out to clubs and restaurants and also to do photo shoots anywhere around London.  I’m lucky to be comfortable in almost any venue, but I find the gay clubs the easiest going (many I have found from the TG AtoZ directory).  I like to be admired – OK – I know it’s often my legs that cause people to notice me – but I’m comfortable with that.  

So what is a man and what is a woman?

It’s the typical stereotype images that come to mind – I just like to be able to step out of my male life and enjoy the ability to step over this divide.  I don’t try to analyse the divide.  Girls wear trousers – why can’t I wear skirts!

What’s your definition of feminine?

Stepping out with the self belief that your appearance, manner, and deportment is that of what you expect of the elegant and sensual woman you would like to be seen by others as.  It’s about perception, your perception of what a women should be.

Where do you feel you fit on the transgender spectrum CD TV TS?

I’m definitely a CD – a Crossdresser.  I like to think I can step into my “Girl” world and back out again as I please.  I suppose for me – my motive is sexual. The only way I can describe going out as Andrea is like having continuous sex for a day.  I love to see real girls in high heels and short skirts – so when I realised that I could actually also be that girl and turn heads for the same reason – it’s a tremendous sexual thrill.  I get it every time I venture out.  That’s also the reason I’m comfortable to go out and about.

Are you happy to be called a Tranny?

The term Tranny to me covers every aspect of those in our transgender community and I’m completely at ease with it.  The “Trans” form is apt as it gives the impression transposition/transcending from Boy to Girl.  I’m a simple crossdresser, but nonetheless loved to be thought of, or called a “girl” or “TGirl” when I’m out and about as Andrea.

To what degree do you feel gender dysphoric?

I dress as Andrea for the sheer and sexual thrill, of being that glamorous long legged girl of my dreams – my time as Andrea is always so intensive – therefore, for me, there is no need for the desire to be her in a closet form at any other time.  I have a very simple philosophy – I imagine my life as a the juncture of a right angled corner – its like standing at the corner of two streets and only I at that corner can see down both streets at once.  As my male self I’m on one street and all that can be seen of my male life is along that street.  When I go out as Andrea – I move around the corner into a totally different street – totally different life and not connected with my male life at all.

To what degree would you consider permanent hair removal, hormones, and surgery?

I don’t think I ever had.  I’ve been fortunate enough to have a fairly good figure and I have never been really hairy.  I shave my beard area very, very carefully before applying make up and that usually lasts for as long as I intend to be out as Andrea.

What individual has inspired you most in relation to your TG inclinations?
I don’t think there has been any one individual – although once I had discovered the yearly Tranny Guide – I found that a great source of inspiration, and the confirmation that I was not alone in my desire to Crossdress.

Do you feel that you have any choice in your TG thoughts and actions?

Yes – most certainly – my desire is quite simple (in my mind anyway) – I dress for my own satisfaction, and pleasure – it’s quite a selfish thing for me alone!

Have you ever suffered harassment or abuse?

Yes – but nothing that I could not reasonably expect or cope with – lets face it – in my “uniform” even on a real girl, it is always going to draw the attention of most “red blooded” males – but initially all they look at are my legs – and if I am “read” I’m usually teetering 20 yards away before there is the possibility of any comment.  There is a very effective way to deal with any situation – and that is not to react in anyway whatsoever – they must be referring to someone else, not you.  I would however offer a word of caution – unexpected things can happen – just be aware of where you are, and what’s around you – a shop or black cab can be a very simple means of exiting any problems. 

Have you tried to stop?

No!

Are your sexual preferences changed by your TG experiences (even temporarily)?

If you had asked me that question is my first year or so as Andrea – I would have said an emphatic No.  But – it’s true to say, I do like to be admired by a real man.  So I have to now say that whilst I’m out and about as Andrea – I would not be averse to being chatted up by, and flirt with - a young handsome guy.  And yes whilst I remain entirely in girl mode – I have just the once gone further than allowing an admiring hand on my thigh!
So if the offer of having a dinner date with a handsome guy came beckoning – I would be interested! 

Have you suffered illness, depression, relationship break ups because of being TG?

Thankfully no – but wearing 6” heels is quite torturous!

If you could relive your life without the TG experience would you?

No – definitely not – I have made many wonderful friends in the TG community.

Do you feel that releasing your gender gift Has released creativity, that may otherwise have remained repressed?

Not intentionally – It was only that as going out as Andrea as I do, into the everyday outside world – that the opportunity arose to report on my adventures.  Doing photoshoots and reports of events and fashion has evolved from this.  I suppose this is as creative as I get in my life.

What outstanding TG experiences stand out in your mind?

That’s easy – it has to be the first time that I actually stepped outside in day light in public – just the walk 20yds to post a letter.  It was a combination of terror and excitement!  I still get that same feeling every time I go out – it’s a real buzz to the senses.

What one piece of advice would you give to someone that has just found they are not the only tranny in the world?

You’re never too old to step out there into society and go for it.  There are just so many “girls” who ask me how I do it – they would just love to dress and venture out.  All you need is a purpose – a reason for going out (even if its just 100m down the street to post a letter!) and the confidence will just flow. 

Andrea xx