Frequently Asked Questions

I'd love to join Xpressions. However, I worry about being seen by someone I know. How do I overcome this???

That has to be the biggest fear we all have through our lives. Being "found out". We all share that same fear in one way or another and as a group can help each other overcome that fear. We make our meetings and outings as comfortable as possible for our members. Perhaps the biggest comfort our members find when dressed is that they are so different in appearance from their male selves that it would be very difficult to recognize the person underneath the makeup and hair. Knowing this helps our members relax and enjoy their girl-time!

Can I just "show up" at your dinners or Pub nights??
All are welcome! Dinners tend to be smart casual to a little formal depending on the restaurant. Pub nights are intended to be casual; Come dressed or drab (dressed your genetic gender).

If you have ANY concerns about coming to a dinner or Pub Night, just contact us at xpressions@xpressions.org and we will contact you and answer any questions you may have.

Do I have to join Xpressions to come to an event?

While we are a member funded group ALL are welcome!. We do encourage that after you have joined us once or twice that for the very nominal membership fee, you acknowledge the work and effort that goes into making this events possible.

I have concerns regarding my personal security. How is my anonymity assured?

Please refer to our Privacy Statement for comprehensive details on all that we do, and all that we recommend you do, to ensure your privacy and security. That said, you will find that Xpressions is a very respectful group. We all have similar concerns. Some information is requested to join Xpressions:

1) Your "female" first name.
2) Your "male" first name
3) Birth date
4) The address you wish to receive a printed issue of the Xpressions Newsletter (if you choose to receive a printed copy)
5) A e-mail address so that we can advise you of events, changes, etc.

Does my picture or name have to be posted on your web site if I join Xpression?

No. The pictures you see posted on our web site are posted with the member's permission and only the girl's femme names are posted with them. There are members who do not want their femme names or pictures posted and we respect that 100%.

I'm worried my wife will find out if I join Xpressions. Do I have to tell everyone who I really am?

Since we have all "been there before" we do understand your concern and the kinds of stresses you go through worrying about her finding out. Typically we only ever use femme names during our get togethers'. Xpressions is a place where we work hard to allow you to be as comfortable as possible. Many grrls state that this is the only place they get to truly relax.

Just who are CD's, TG's, TS's and TV's?

Definitions of labels notwithstanding, we are loving parents, spouses, fathers and sons. Everyday normal people. The neighbour next door, the golf partner in the afternoon, the fishing partner on the weekends. We are teachers, managers, business owners, mechanics, truck drivers, police officers, security personnel, doctors, lawyers, city workers, politicians, military personnel, and the list goes on. We simply share the need to express our feminine sides by dressing, to understand ourselves and feel complete.

Are Crossdressers always men?

No, not always. Just look around and you will see that women also crossdress and society has become more accustomed to it over the past few decades. It wasn't that long ago that you wouldn't see a woman out in public unless she was wearing a dress. Yet now you often see a woman going to the office wearing pin stripped suit and flats or wearing a t-shirt, jeans, a tool belt and work boots on a job site. So in a way, the woman's desire to express herself in a historically masculine masculine way, is not much different than the man's desire to express himself in a feminine way. And yes, society is more accepting than expected as we have found out first hand!

Do I have to attend the Dinners and/or Pub Nights dressed?

If you are not comfortable attending your first few events dressed, we do understand and you would be most welcome to come in drab. We are about helping people become comfortable with themselves and do encourage you to come dressed after your first few meetings. That's the fun part! If you are new to dressing you will not be judged on skill and presentation. We all have to start someplace and Xpressions offers a safe place for you to meet others who share the same feelings as you do. Indeed, all our members, as with "real girls", have varying styles and levels of skill. Attending our meetings is a great way to learn more about ourselves by learning from and talking openly with others.

Please note that we have especially organized our Pub Nights so that you can attend dressed or drab and find out so much more about how you can express yourself.

I don't feel very passable. Will I be accepted in your group?
Absolutely. What is important is that you are happy about yourself. Joining Xpressions is a wonderful way to learn from others. Like having a "Big Sister", which will greatly help your confidence level. Besides, many of our members present themselves much better as a woman than a lot of them think they do. You GO Grrls!

Will I have to go out in public if I join Xpressions?
No. Well not really. Most of our events, dinners, etc are arranged at venues where we we have discussed all aspects of Xpressions and who is attending. The positive response is amazing! We typically enjoy a private dining room or a section of the restaurant for our exclusive use. Many of the pictures on our web site show our grrls out and about dancing the night away. However, most of those pictures are taken at our events which are great places to go out without really going out.

Many of our members are indeed comfortable going out in public because it really is a lot of fun and you would be most welcome to join in that fun too, but only when you choose do do so. We are blessed with not only with a diverse and accepting city, but we have an extensive Gay Village where you might be surprised that no one looks twice!

Before joining Xpressions, many of our members were by themselves with no one to talk with, or trapped behind the confines of their computer screens. Being a member of the group gave them the opportunity to make friends with whom to do all the things they had dreamed about.

I'm not very good at make-up. Can someone help me?

Absolutely! That is the best part of being a member of Xpressions. Learning from others and having friends you can talk to about girl stuff! Plus, we a wonderful group of supportive and local service providers that can help you with every aspect of your femme-self.

Do you charge for membership?

Yes. We have an annual membership fee which is currently $35 for an individual/$50 if you wish to have the Newsletter mailed to you. These costs go exclusively toward the running of the group. We do not collect any meeting fees from attending members. However, our socials do take place in a restaurant where most people have dinner. You will be expected to pay for your meal, any drinks you may have had during the course of the evening and, of course , gratuities to the wonderful staff that we always enjoy.

What can I expect if I come to a social event?

For complete information on our socials and other activities, click here or contact us at xpressions@xpressions.org and we can contact you to answer any particular questions you may have.

Do you provide counselling?

No. Only peer-to-peer. We have no professional counsellors. However, some of our members may go to professionals and will be happy to refer you.

Will I be approached by someone looking for sex or interested in dating transgendered people?
Xpressions is expressly for those who crossdress and their partners. "Admirers" looking for contacts are not welcome to our events. Nothing of an overt sexual nature is permitted at any social or event. Our socials are always "family friendly."

Please understand that many of our events are held in the vibrant LGBT Village and when we leave the event to kick up our heels, you may meet many interesting people. Use common sense. Ask yourself "What would a genetic girl do in these circumstances?" At minimum, never go out on your own!

I am a teen. May I join and attend Xpressions events?

Unfortunately, no you may not join if you are under the age of 18. However, your parents may join and bring you to our meetings. Our membership does include parents of crossdressers.

If you have a questions that we haven't addressed, please email us at xpressions@xpressions.org