The Difference Between a Sissy and a Cross-dresser

Have you found yourself wondering what the difference is between a sissy and a cross-dresser is?

Are they the same thing?

Are these offensive terms?

Sissy and cross-dresser (often referred to in history as transvestite) are often thought of as interchangeable terms, but this is not true and may offend people on both sides. Whether you consider yourself a cross-dresser, a sissy, or just curious this article will help those who are confused to tell the difference between the two.

Cross-dresser

A cross-dresser is someone who enjoys dressing in clothing that is typically for the opposite gender. It can be women dressing as men, but generally, when people are talking about cross-dressing, they are referring to men who indulge in wearing dresses and women’s lingerie. There are various reasons a person might cross-dress from a love of fashion, sexual arousal, self-expression, or they are just finding it fun and relaxing. A man who cross-dresses doesn’t always identify as a woman but enjoys wearing feminine clothing.

Myths about cross-dressers

• All cross-dressers are homosexuals. They can be heterosexual and bisexual just as well.
• That it is a psychological problem. It’s not.
• Cross-dressers identify as the opposite gender
• Cross-dressers can’t be husbands or fathers (a lot of straight men cross-dress)

Sissy

A sissy is a man who dresses more feminine and acts more feminine. They tend to have more submissive personalities. Men who identify as sissies are generally gay, but not always. They like to be passive and obedient to their men. They want to live their lives as women, indulging in all hyper feminine and glamourous things.

Myths about sissies

• All sissies are gay
• That sissy men are weak
• Sissy men aren’t attracted to women
• Sissy men don’t make good husbands and fathers

Everyone who cross-dresses isn’t a sissy

Many cross-dressers are offended by being referred to as a sissy. They may have a negative attachment to that term. They may think that it is a put down; perhaps they are a bit on the feminine side and were tormented as a child about it. Being called a sissy may not be something they appreciate as an adult.

There are also men who cross-dress that are not necessarily more feminine, and they just merely enjoy dressing in either full women’s clothing. (see our Guide to Crossdresser lingerie.) Maybe they cross-dress to get in touch with their feminine side, but outside of cross-dressing don’t consider themselves feminine at all.

Unless you are told directly that someone is a cross-dresser or a sissy, it be best not to make any assumptions.

Cross-dressers, sissies and trying to define them

People who practice femdom are more than happy to be called a sissy, and they are men that are obedient and submissive to a mistress or a dominant mistress hence the name femdom. The mistress may even be a wife or girlfriend.

When someone identifies themselves as a sissy, they go from someone who likes to wear women’s clothing to someone who feels their most self in women’s clothing and acting more feminine, as well as being submissive and dominated.

Some cross-dressers may consider themselves sissies while dressing in women’s clothing, but once the lingerie comes off, the fantasy ends. It may just be a fantasy for them to be dominated by a woman while wearing female clothing.

There are so many varied reasons that contribute to men liking being called a sissy or being offended by the term.

Conclusion

When it comes to cross-dressing and sissy, it is an individual choice, and it is never cut and dry. It’s an evolving process, and some men may know right away, from childhood even that they are a sissy, whereas other men know they are not, but they do enjoy cross-dressing. Some men may even be offended by the term due to childhood trauma or a misconception that it makes them weak.

Whatever the case, they are definitely different and should not be used as an interchangeable term.