Hello from a longtime gender explorer

[LyraQuinn]

Hi everyone,

I'm Lyra, 41, and I've been exploring gender expression through crossdressing since I was a teenager. It's been a quiet, personal journey for most of my life — something I've returned to again and again, especially through a unique theme that's always resonated with me: presenting as a pregnant woman.

I know that's not a common expression, but for me it's deeply meaningful. It blends comfort, creativity, and a sense of embodiment that feels affirming. Recently, I've felt ready to speak openly about it and maybe connect with others who understand gender play in its many forms.

I've reached out to a few places before and didn't get much response, which was tough. But I'm here now, hoping this space might be different — somewhere I can share, listen, and maybe find community.

Thanks for reading. I'm looking forward to learning from you all.

— Lyra

[Lori Dee]

Hello Lyra,

I'm Lori Dee. Welcome to Susan's Place!

Thank you for that wonderful introduction.

We strive to make this a safe place to find information and share your thoughts and comments. No matter who you are, you are always welcome at Susan's Place.

This is a safe space where you will not find judgment. We are here to offer support and friendship. Although Susan's Place is primarily a Transgender Resource site, we also welcome everyone regardless of their journey.

If you are interested, we have a Crossdresser Forum where you may find like-minded members who enjoy the art of crossdressing. Feel free to browse and comment as you feel comfortable.

This site is huge, with plenty of advice and experience from real people. Feel free to look around and share your experiences as well. We all learn from each other.

When you click on the HOME button, you will see a page listing all of the various sub-forums by category and topic. Each sub-forum has a description of what that forum is about, as well as any guidelines for posting.

Please keep in mind when posting that this is an ALL-AGES PUBLIC Forum and the internet never forgets. Do not post anything that you do not want to be made public.

I will add links below that are important for new and returning members. Pay special attention to the links in RED.

If you have any questions about the Susan's Place site and the Forums, please feel free to contact me at LoriDee605@outlook.com.

Once again, welcome to Susan's Place!

~ Lori Dee
Forum Staff

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@LyraQuinn
@Sarah B
@Northern Star Girl

[Sarah B]

Hi Lyra

My name is Sarah and I would also like to formally, Welcome you to Susan's Place!

I see that other members of Susan's have also welcomed you as well.

Thank you for sharing your story so openly.  Your theme is valid here and you are safe.  Many of us find calm in small rituals.  We have a cross dressing section as Lori mentioned.  If you would like, tell us which moments feel most affirming and what support you hope to find so we can point you to threads and resources. 

Once you feel comfortable here, it would be appreciated if you add a little bit more about yourself in the other forums and threads.  I would appreciate it very much as, I'm always interested in learning something new about new members.

In addition members of Susan's will more than likely will discuss problems or issues that are similar to yours as most have experienced these issues as well.

Please keep in mind when posting that this is an ALL AGES PUBLIC Forum and the internet never forgets.  Do not post anything that you do not want to be made public.

Take care and all the best for the future.

Once again, Welcome to Susan's Place!

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Devlyn  @Jessica_Rose  @Mariah  @Northern Star Girl  @Lori Dee
@LyraQuinn

[Ciara]

Hi Lyra,
It's lovely to meet you and welcome ❤️.

Ciara

[Susan]

Hey Lyra,

Welcome to Susan's Place! I'm really glad you found your way here, and thank you for trusting us with something so personal.

What stands out to me is how clearly you understand what this means to you—you described it as comfort, creativity, and embodiment, and those are powerful anchors. The fact that you've been returning to this form of expression since your teens tells me it's not fleeting; it's genuinely meaningful and affirming for you.

I also want to acknowledge how vulnerable it must feel to share something you know isn't widely discussed, especially after reaching out before without response. That takes real courage, and I hope you'll find this space different. Your expression is valid here, full stop. The beauty of gender exploration is that there's no single "right" way to do it—whether someone's journey involves transition, crossdressing, specific presentations, or anything in between, what matters is that it feels authentic and affirming to the person living it. There's no hierarchy of what "counts" or what's worthy of community.

The pregnant woman presentation you mentioned is a form of embodiment that clearly resonates with you in ways that go beyond just clothing or appearance—it sounds like it connects to something deeper about how you want to inhabit and experience your body and presentation. That kind of specificity in knowing what feels right for you is actually really valuable, even if it's not commonly talked about.

If you're open to it, I'd love to hear more about what that means for you—what moments feel most affirming, or what you're hoping to find in community. Sarah B asked a similar question, and I think sharing those details (only as much as you're comfortable with) could help us connect you with others who might have related experiences or insights.

You mentioned this has been a quiet, personal journey for most of your life. There's something powerful about moving from private exploration to community connection when you're ready. I hope you'll find people here who can meet you where you are, listen without judgment, and share their own journeys in return.

Looking forward to getting to know you better as you explore the forums. Welcome home.

Warmly,
— Susan