*My "Fringe" series is dedicated to the less known, misunderstood, and often negatively perceived, forms of male submission. I am looking to inform and educate through my own experience, and to defend and support such styles of play. To understand my motivation, please read my prequel post.*
First and foremost, I want to clean up some often misused terminology. Crossdressing, sissification and feminization are not the same thing and they are altogether different from transgenderism. I am going to avoid the topics of crossdressing and transgenderism but it is important to distinguish them from sissification and feminization. The biggest difference is that crossdressers and trans people, though both very distinct from eachother, do what they do for self-enrichment, whatever that may be. For example, crossdressers are often motivated by a desire to feel sexy or are attracted to a particular look or feel of a garment. Sissification and feminization differ in that they are done to benefit another. Men with a kink for either are not necessarily gender fluid or trans. This false assumption is common and it does a disservice to all. In fact, the more masculine a sub male is, the more effective this can be at reinforcing the D/s dynamic.
-Sissification-
This is the act of a man dressing in women's clothing, usually undergarments, lingerie, or outfits that are very feminine. This is generally done at the request of the Domme. Making the man look attractive or feminine is non essential.
-Feminization-
This is the act of making a man appear more feminine. This may involve entire outfits, make up, hair, or even training in feminine posture and movement, such as walking in heels etc.
While sissification and feminization are quite different, many of the motivators behind the kinks are the same.
*Power Exchange
Much of male power is associated with how they look. Male clothing in particular is very distinct. Taking that from them is emasculating.
*Humiliation/Objectification
An obvious motivator for both parties. Sometimes there is an aspect of voyeurism with the addition of public play. For example, feminine clothing might be concealed under masculine clothing or maybe a fem male is made up so well he passes for a female adding to the humiliation.
*Respect/Homage to Women
Nothing is more effective at reminding a man of the daily tribulations of women like an afternoon cooking in heels.
*Servitude/Desire to Please.
Many men into either sissification or feminization do so at the request if their Dommes because they have a desire, or feel a responsibility, to please.
*Training
I generally don't like to use the word "training" because it is often self defined in kink thus I will explain what I mean in this context. With both sissification and feminization, you can easily begin with lower intensity play and build on it, taking it to whatever point both parties are comfortable. This makes it a very adaptable form or play and one that can be done anywhere with little preparation.
Here is one big difference between the two. Sissification can easily be done as an element to an online D/s dynamic. Feminization is often done in person, with the man being "dressed up" by the Domme.
Those of you that have been following my "Fringe" series know that I am writing on these topics to hopefully improve the perceptions of such kinks. Men into sissification or feminization are not gay, struggling with gender identity, or emasculate. On the contrary, it takes a strong male to be able to engage in such play and return to their authentic selves without a negative effect on their mental wellbeing. These forms of play support the D/s dynamic and can be just as healthy as any other form of play.
*I will add that, as always, I am speaking in generalizations. I am aware that such broad strokes can't possibly represent the feelings of all. There is no substitution for communication when it comes to kink.*
