“It Is Weird For Guys But Okay For Ladies” And Other Thoughts On Crossdressing By Nigerians

Through fashion, many people have found a way to express themselves. Based on the fashion choices a person makes, you can say some things for sure about the person. While some fashion styles are seen as normal and acceptable, others do not quite fit into that mould. Crossdressing is one of the others. Here are 5 opinions from 5 Nigerians on crossdressing;

“I think crossdressing is weird.” – Ore

I think crossdressing is weird and I haven’t gotten used to it, I don’t think I ever will. It’s surprising for me every time I see it. Well, that’s welcome to the 21st Century. I feel people do it because there’s a void within them that they’re trying to fill. So yes, they’re expressing themselves. It’s left for society to get the message being passed across and handle it in the best possible way.

So, they start simple, maybe just by wearing a few items of the opposite sex. But the more they do it, the greater the void they experience. And this might make them advance beyond just crossdressing to wanting to be identified as the opposite sex and even undergoing gender reassignment surgery. No one can really help them fill the void. Only God can.

I do not believe we can dictate what people should wear, but I strongly believe it should be discouraged by their family and friends. They should be given listening ears by close friends and the root of the problem should be nipped in the bud while they’re still thinking of it and before it actually materialises.

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“I don’t really have strong opinions about it.” – Deji

I don’t really have any strong opinions about crossdressing, I just know it’s a thing people do sometimes. Definitely, it is a way of expression for some people. They just feel more comfortable in certain clothes.

I’m not particular about it, but I maybe, it should be normalised in society. I mean, it is how some people have chosen to live their lives. We cannot go around judging them. I wouldn’t hold my breath about it though.

“Crossdressing is weird for men but okay for women.” – Oyinda

I think men crossdressing is weird, really, but for ladies, it’s okay. I guess it’s acceptable for ladies since we’ve all normalised having tomboys amongst us and some just grow up and remain that way. In fact, ladies don’t necessarily crossdress sef, I can look masculine in lady pants and shirts.
While crossdressing can look good on ladies, the same cannot be said for guys.

I guess it’s a way people use to express themselves, though. Ladies dressed as guys is already a norm in Nigeria, especially for younger females e.g secondary school females. For older females, it’s fairly new but not exactly frowned upon. Although, some of the older generation people (our parents) may look at a young lady in her late 20’s who’s dressed like a tomboy and wonder if she’s a lesbian.

But for guys, nah. The crossdressing I’m talking about for guys is like wearing skirts and dresses, not kaftan or jalamias. I don’t think it should ever be embraced oooooo.

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“Crossdressing seems to falter the reality of dressing.” – Femi

Personally crossdressing seems to falter the reality of dressing . I see no reason for crossdressing if a person’s gender is not changed. It causes a sort of misunderstanding when people want to address the crossdresser. I think it’s unnecessary. However, people have the right to dress the way they want. Also we have countries like Scotland where men can wear skirts.

I really can’t say if it is a way of self-expression. It depends on who crossdresses. Personally I will not crossdress. However, we’ve come to realise that individuals are said to be built differently and new trends and issues occur daily.

I think it should be accepted in society, at the discretion of others though. The law should be amended to favour everyone including crossdressers. However, it should also be considerate to everyone else that is a citizen of the nation.

“I don’t understand the concept.” – Isaiah

I really don’t understand the concept, but I’ve seen a lady that dresses like a guy. It looked good on her and I even had to comment on it, but I can’t see myself doing it or allowing people I influence to do it.

I guess it is a way people use to express themselves. Just like I would feel really proud when I’m wearing my Native attire, expressing my culture and who I truly am, it’s probably the same for them. Whether or not we accept it, it’s here to stay. Several people identify with them and are doing it. You see how Naira Marley influenced his fans and they all started identifying with the marlian brand, it’s the same.

What are your thoughts on crossdressing? Do you think it should be more acceptable in Nigerian society or not? Do let us know in the comments section below.