Trying to be what you're not...

I think that to a large extent, gender roles and stereotypes are imposed upon everyone by society, which expects us to follow certain behavioural conventions so that everyone's easily categorised and the status quo isn't upset. I think that there's a whole spectrum of masculinity/femininity within humans (as is the case with all the rest of the animal kingdom), and people ought to just be themselves, whether they're masculine, feminine, or a mixture of the two (everyone has a mixture of masculine and feminine traits, whether male or female). I don't think that people who behave outside the social stereotypocal "normal" gender roles are necessarily trying to be something they're not (although in the UK many TV presenters do tend to "camp it up" for the cameras), and who are you or society to say what people are "made to be". There's no fate or sociological role besides the ones we make for ourselves. I think it's best for people not to try and label and pigeon-hole others; be true to yourself, and accept others for what and who they are. Everyone's different and individual, so I think it's best to see them as such, not to judge them or try to find the "proper name" for them. Life's too short to be worried about what others think of you, or to worry about who's conforming to what gender role. Just enjoy being you, and enjoy others being themselves :-)

The easiest example of this is if you look at a litter of puppies! Yes puppies, if the male pups do not come in contact with a male dog early, when they look for a tree or fire hydrant they end up squatting and not lifting their leg! Lifting their leg is the typical Male doggy thing to do as squatting is the typical female doggy thing to do! So why does the male pup keep going back to squatting when it is grown?? Far fetched(excuse the pun), but food for thought!

I never really understood why men dress and want to be like women. Or why some women want to dress and act like men. It's a little confussing to me, and i don't have any friends that are that way. Sure i did have a guy friend in highschool that was gay. But he never acted like it, and he didn't dress in women's clothes either. Come to find out that after highschool he became very successful, and now he's a great cook in GA (USA). I only hear from him every now and then, because he has his own life now, and i have mine. But i really don't understand why he ended up being gay in the first place. He dated alot of girls in high school. So i don't know why he changed his mind, and decided that he rather be gay instead. It never really made any since to me, and i doubt that it ever will.

I'm am thinking you are referring to "cross dressers" people who are one gender and dress as the other. I have no idea why people are like this but sure many will have opinions. I like to wear pants like a man but I make sure I wear feminine tops or sweaters and there is no mistaking which I am - all lady and proud of it.

Human mind is a complicated thing to even try to understand... I guess we'll never find a valid reason for people wanting to be what they're not. Some of them, claim to be a "woman trapped in a man's body" or the other way around. I dont believe that can be truth. I think it's just a way to justifie their mental problems. I dont have anything against the though...

Actually, for the people who do that: NOT doing it would truly be trying to be what they're not.

I don't have an answer to this delightful topic but I do have a story that I'll post in the near future. You'll have to read it. Thanks again for a great topic. Gonna check back on this one for responses too. HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!

no way I ever would God made me a woman and I am glad to be a woman. Now this guy I really liked alot this past year who claims he is having a identity problem is cross dressing. To look like a woman it is sad actually because I really liked him untill he came to my house dressed that way and tryed to kisss me and I got grossed out. I told him I can't do this Kevin.It's a real shame.