▶ Femme name: Raven Anathema
▶ Location: East Midlands, UK
▶ How long you have been cross-dressing: I remember my first experience being when I was 4. It then lay dormant till my early teens. I then used to dress on and off until my mid 20s, when I finally decided to embrace Crossdressing as a part of me I should not shun. This was after years of denial and cycle of purging.
▶ What’s your favorite thing about dressing up: I would say being able to express my femininity in a positive way, feeling and looking good. Something which I don’t necessarily always derive from regular life and my normal skin so to speak. I suppose I’m hooked on the transformation of going from an average looking male to an attractive and hopefully somewhat convincing looking girl.
▶ Things you can’t dress up without: For me its definitely a good wig or hair. Its amazing the instant transformation you see when you apply a wig just after you finish your makeup. A good pair of boots/heels is a must for me too.
▶ Reason you crossdress: Its an extension of my personality, femininity and sometimes daring nature. Raven is often more sexually adventurous than my male self is and from an ego point of view it is somewhat gratifying when you feel desired and admired. I also feel like I can express my femininity more freely and the ‘shackles of regular life’ are off so to speak.
▶ Things you like doing after getting dressed: I love my makeovers and nights out which I’m sure anyone who sees my Insta page will be well aware of! But I also hope to be able to get to non trans and LGBTQ events a bit more in the future when dressed up e.g. gigs, days out etc. Im even looking at a holiday abroad next year where I can let Raven out and dress.
▶ Your favorite outfits/style: Primarily a goth glam look with lots of PVC and leather. Love my short tight dresses, two piece outfits and thigh boots too. Although I’m having to be a bit more selective with my outfits as I don’t have the same figure today I had 7-8 years ago sadly! I am looking to experiment and lean into the goth look a bit more and also trying different hairstyles and makeup too.
▶ Where do you buy your clothes/makeup/shoes from: Its a mix really. Some amazing things can be found on Temu, Amazon, Shein etc. However I’ve discovered an amazing site called Mudsweet based in the US which makes some fantastic outfits for those who like a goth style and vibe. I have ordered several things off there in recent months and I can imagine there will be plenty more things I will be buying too.
▶ How long does it take you to to do your make-up and get ready: I would say around 1.5 – 2 hours. Makeup takes the longest time, usually around 50 mins – 1 hour depending on what look I’m going for (eye makeup has never been my strong point so its normally that which accounts for most of the time) Then applying false nails, selecting outfits and footwear. Of course if I am going out and not just dressing for my own pleasure, it may take a bit longer to look my best..
▶ What are the challenges you have faced as a crossdresser: I think for myself, its adapting my look with my age. I realise that I may not look as good as I did say 10 years ago but its constantly reinventing and trying different things. I think also dealing with prejudices is a challenge.
Unfortunately from a political point of view the things happening in the world today and the threat posed to the liberty and freedom of the LGBTQ community to just be themselves without having to put up with hatred, bigotry and ignorance, is very troubling indeed. In my case I come from an ethnic group where being part of the LGBTQ community is already looked down upon, so largely being in the closet for reasons of safety and fear of non acceptance has always been difficult to contend with..
▶ Instagram: @ravenanathema
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