We All Wear Masks

Makeup is not a mask that covers up your beauty; it’s a weapon that helps you express who you are from the inside.

~ Michelle Phan

I told a crossdressing friend that I was speaking to somebody in Sweden about men who dressed as women using latex or rubber masks.

The response was, “Bizarre.”

To which I responded with, “You mean, bizarre… Like crossdressing?”

I found the comment ironic and funny, especially when cross-dressers themselves are still considered bizarre and fetish-y. To have a narrow view of what is considered normal – especially in a community where most of us already live as fringe players – is unfortunate.

There are several sub-genres of moderately common subtypes of maskers. There are the Kigurumi who have their own community, wearing the Japanese style big head anime masks. Also, there are the enclosure fetishists, who generally like rubber catsuits and masks for restrictive play. Additionally, there are dolls who just want to look cute. Heck, we could even include furries, doms and subs, and cosplayers into the mix—some of them wear masks of some type, too.

Why would a crossdresser want to wear a mask? That seems like a strange thing for a crossdresser to want to do, right? Well, there are a couple reasons I can think of. I have known crossdressers  who use masks to keep from being recognized in their photos on their social media channels. This same dresser may also use that same mask in public events for the same reasons. Another reason to mask could be because the man does not want to sacrifice his facial hair for his feminine presentation. Lastly, I have met CDs who are lacking in confidence in their feminine appearance and makeup abilities, therefore turning to pre-fabricated female masks that already have perfect makeup baked onto the surface. So, let’s not forget that crossdressers may not feel confident enough in makeup for a public appearance, may want to keep their facial hair for themselves or their loved ones, or may be concerned that they will be recognized in their local community.

And, of course, there is a second ironic to be recognized. When I transform from my male self into Savannah, I am also wearing a mask that hides my “true” identity. The makeup, the wig, the padding, and all of the other things that help to re-create my feminine persona are masks. Chris Rock once performed a stand-up routine that outlined the following ideals… Women who wear heels aren’t that tall… That weave is not their real hair… That push-up bra isn’t fooling’ anyone…! Crossdressers inherently mask their appearance in order to facilitate their female form. I think we are the last people who should casting stones at others who love to wear disguises!

This article is just a quick note to hopefully open and expand our understanding of one of the many types of people out there in the world. We must understand that we cannot point fingers and judgement toward others that do not share our specific “kink”. To understand what motivates others is the first step to accepting and embracing who they are as people, not as a habit. We don’t have to even enjoy or fully understand what they do in order to love the person. How many football or bowling wives are still out there, abandoned by their husbands in favor of beer, their guy friends, and a large-screen television. They still love their husbands, but leave them to what makes them happy. I don’t think I would enjoy putting on a latex mask (aside from my cosplay domino masks), but I can’t really cast judgment on something that I have never tried myself, can I?