I keep batting this difference around in my head. I am someone who prefers to call themself “crossdresser” instead of “sissy”, though is also active in sissy communities. Why do I have that preference? I wrote up a few comparison bullet points below, let me know what you agree/disagree with. And feel free to mention other points ❤️
Crossdresser:
- A little old-school but gets the job done.
- More fluid in sexuality/gender identity
- Not inherently sexual
- Not particularly demeaning
Sissy:
- Feels newer/trendier
- A little more focused on sex with men
- Very sex-focused
- Often used as a demeaning word (consensually)
I wouldn’t bother with thinking about it in terms your first point. Old-school vs newer isn’t really relevant to the comparison you’re looking. Crossdressing is something that has a clear definition - dressing in a way that is contrary to the societal expectations for your gender. As you mention it is also more of an objective non-sexual term.
Sissy is a lot more ambiguous and tends to mean something different to each individual. Because of this it’s going to difficult to get a clear answer. It’s a term that, in the way you’re referring, carries a clear sexual implication and usually in my mind comes in tandem with idolizing/embodying feminization(not necessarily crossdressing) and has D/s BDSM roles baked into it generally.
At the end of the day though, do what makes you comfortable and don’t worry so much about labels.
Very good points all around! I’m pretty comfortable with where I’m at but it’s always good to read someone summarize it as well as you did.