Cross-dressing: Graziella and the exploration of her femininity

Dive into the introspective world of Graziella. Graziella crosses the boundaries of gender and self-expression through the lens of cross-dressing.

Firmly rooted in a masculine daily life, Graziella allows herself escapes into a world where femininity is explored, celebrated, and at times, intensified.

In a society that often imposes rigid labels and binary gender roles, her testimony becomes an open window onto a personal quest for authenticity and plurality.

Through her story, discover not a gender identity transition, but rather a bold exploration and deliberate balancing of the masculine and feminine polarities that coexist within him.

Graziella, calmly navigating the sometimes turbulent waters of social perception and self-understanding, invites us to reflect on the often overlooked dimensions of our own identity.

Can you introduce yourself? age, gender, family situation, profession, city.

I am 52 years old. I work in training and consulting. I am divorced and have 2 children. My main residence is in the Paris region. My life as a guy poses me no problem and suits me perfectly (I have never considered becoming a woman).

How long have you wanted to feel ‘’woman’’, what was the first “signal” of this desire?

This desire and need are probably very distant (likely childhood or adolescence). But, this desire manifested itself really and concretely quite late, a little before my forties (so about twelve years ago).
The first true signal was very minimalist. By chance during a meeting, I wore dim-up tights and long gloves for the first time.

Obviously, the first time is surprising, and you think you won’t do it again. But quite quickly, the desire and need come back.

Is this desire occasional or permanent?

It’s neither an occasional desire (in the sense of being occasional), nor a permanent desire (in the continuous sense).
It’s a fairly frequent desire that comes or returns quite often and regularly.

I love just as much driving a race car… as being Graziella.

Why this desire, what does it give you?

I think I am multiple in my personality (like many people) and therefore want to live several lives at once.

But I tend to get bored quickly. So I try to have the most intense and varied life possible. Thus, I love just as much driving a race car on a track (so I am a race car driver sometimes), writing a novel (so I am a writer sometimes), surfing on a ski slope or a wave (so I am a surfer sometimes).

But I also love, in this need to be multiple, being a woman (so I am Graziella sometimes).
So when I become Graziella, I am Graziella.

I am Me as Graziella. This gives me many different feelings.

Of course, I don’t want to do things superficially or roughly, so when I am Graziella, I want to be feminine, charming, sexy, beautiful, and 100% “girl”.

When did you decide to take action, that is, to cross-dress for the first time? For what occasion? What did you feel?

I cross-dressed fully for the first time in 2011. But there was no particular reason. It was simply the moment.

Obviously, the first time is surprising to see yourself as a woman. For several months I had bought lingerie, clothes, shoes (with very high heels, obviously), and makeup.

All that was quietly sleeping in a wardrobe. And then, one day, I tried it. The result wasn’t too bad for a first time. I felt different, liberated, and quite girl-like.

Afterwards, I changed my look quite often, exaggerating my femininity (very high heels, vinyl or leather look).

Do you have any fears regarding society, your family, etc.? Any apprehensions, any discomfort?

I have no particular fears. But I have a fairly public job and I meet many people every week. I don’t want to expose myself to criticism or ridicule. I don’t even especially want to expose myself at all (I’m not on social networks).

Of course, I like to be looked at and admired as a “pretty woman.” But in society and in my life, too much or too visible exposure carries too many risks (especially for my children and my ex-wife).

I have “girl” friends like me, I have (very few) guy friends who appreciate and respect “girls” like me.

That suits me just fine.

What are the next steps in your feminization (if any), or desires you haven’t yet tried but would like to?

Quite simply a makeup session and a photo shoot again, emphasizing the “femme fatale” and/or “mysterious woman” side but without an exaggerated look.
I would also like to be able to have “girls'” afternoons (I’m not talking about sexual afternoons).

Simply put, to meet up among “girls” (4 or 5) in an Adagio (a well-equipped aparthotel) to chat, share, try on clothes, do makeup, take pictures, drink a glass of champagne, for example. If some are interested, they can contact me (Editor’s note: leave a comment below, I will forward it).

… you really commit to the session

Why did you call on me, and what did I bring you in this stage of your life, if I brought you anything?

I contacted you somewhat by chance following an Internet search. I wanted a further, essential step for me.

Mastering makeup to be who I wanted to be. That is to say be Graziella, a woman as feminine, charming, and sexy as possible (although not a fan of social networks, I was perhaps also looking to be admired).

You brought me several things (for which I am very grateful). From a technical point of view, you are a great professional at makeup and photography (my photos prove it). But you really invest yourself in the session.

You put not only technique but also discussion, understanding, and passion.

There is no judgment from you, just understanding, passion, and real involvement. But moreover, you give confidence.

Thus, very quickly, I was Graziella. You are simply a revealer, an accelerator. Very quickly, you feel like you’re with a great friend.

So, if I had advice for others, it would simply be, “Don’t hesitate a second, make an appointment with Jennifer, treat yourself, you will love it.”

What did you do immediately after our meeting?

Right after leaving Jennifer, I stopped in downtown Chevry Cossigny for a coffee.

Comfortably seated, I looked at my 90 photos for at least 30 minutes thinking “Wow, Jennifer is a fairy, what she has done is amazing.” I look so so beautiful!!!

Honestly, I couldn’t believe it. I said to myself “Okay, I’ll book another appointment with Jennifer in a few weeks.”

“I sent 4 photos to my 3 best ‘friends.’”

What anecdote can you share with us following this session?

I have 2 anecdotes following this session.
In the early afternoon, I sent 4 photos to my 3 best “friends.”
• The first (Emma) replied, “You are so beautiful, the result is great, you can be proud.”
• The second (Sylvia) replied, “Wow!!!!! I love it, you are terribly sexy, you’re adorable. You’re top-notch.”
• The third (Elodie) replied, “Is that you? That’s crazy, I don’t recognize you. You look amazing as a blonde, it suits you perfectly.”

Then, in the evening, I posted 5 or 6 photos to see the reactions and various comments (I know, it’s quite narcissistic and egocentric). The next day, I had about fifty comments or messages from cross-dressers, trans people, or men telling me “You’re so beautiful, you’re stunning, what class, you’re divine, when do we meet… etc, etc.”

How did you feel after this session?

I felt perfectly good (thanks to you, Jennifer) with several mixed feelings. I regretted not having met you earlier and above all that this morning passed so quickly.

But apart from that, I felt fulfilled, ultra-feminine, seductive. I was simply but completely Graziella.

Closing words from Jennifer

Thank you, Graziella!

The exploration and revelation of identity are deeply intimate and personal journeys, where each step, each revelation, becomes a precious stone in building the self.

As a makeup artist, having the chance to accompany Graziella in her adventure has been not only an honor but also a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the plurality of the human being in all its beautiful forms and expressions.

Her words, “Jennifer is a fairy,” touched me in a way words struggle to express.

Every brushstroke and every shade applied were not just technique, but an act of listening, a sharing in her journey, a participation in her revelation.

The joy written on her face, the confidence radiating from every photo, testified not only to Graziella’s beauty but also to the transformative power of makeup when used as a tool of authentic expression.

The shared smiles, exchanged confidences, and moments of pure brilliance reinforce my passion and respect for this profession, and for the beautiful souls I meet along this path.

Makeup is much more than a superficial application of color – it is a celebration, an affirmation, and above all, a path toward the liberation of the self. Graziella, and all of you with whom I share these moments, enrich my art and my being with a thousand splendid colors.

I am eternally grateful for every glance, every smile, every transformation that unites us in the happy expression of who you truly are.